Daschle and Democrats to Get a Dose of Pharma’s Medicine

Former Sen. Tom Daschle had an easy time today before the Senate panel that’s considering his nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services, but he’s likely to encounter far stiffer opposition to the Obama administration’s plans when the job of reforming health care is officially his. The Washington Post used CRP data today to analyze the pharmaceutical industry’s strategy in preparing for what could be a bruising fight. Part of the strategy, shifting its campaign contributions to Democrats, began soon after the party gained control of Congress in 2006. In the 2008 election cycle, an unprecedented 49 percent of the traditionally Republican-leaning industry’s $26.7 million in contributions went to Democrats. Compare that to the last presidential election in 2004, when Republicans collected 66 percent of the $17.8 million that pharmaceutical companies gave.

Most industry players this year will be fighting off increased regulation and may oppose a requirement that drug companies disclose all of their gifts and payments to doctors. They’ll also be trying to prevent the FDA from being able to ban direct-to-consumer advertising for new drugs. The pharmaceutical industry has been sending representatives to knock on Congress member’s doors, spending $171.7 million on lobbying in the first nine months of 2008. When the year-end lobbying reports come in for 2008 on Jan. 20, they will likely show that the industry spent more in ’08 than the $225.9 million it spent the year prior.

The health sector as a whole could find this a year of many changes, and doctors, nurses, insurance companies and hospital execs are also making sure they’re heard on Capitol Hill. The health sector spent $150 million on campaign contributions in the 2008 election cycle, more than the $123.7 million it spent in 2003 and 2004. It spent $365.1 million on lobbying in the first three quarters of 2008.

Media Contact

Viveca Novak
(202) 354-0111
press@crp.org

Search

Archives

Categories

Count Cash & Make Change.

OpenSecrets.org is your nonpartisan guide to money's influence on U.S. elections and
public policy. Whether you're a voter, journalist, activist, student or interested citizen,
use our free site to shine light on your government.